All’s just peachy in Ames as Matt Campbell’s third set of Cyclones fall practices starts Friday. Another showing in the postseason is the plan, and unless something crazy happens, that should be the destination.

Questions about this team aren’t as major as in past falls; nonetheless, there is some less concerning stuff to occupy your mind leading up to the program’s toughest early-season schedule in recent memory.

Backup quarterbacks

We know ...

Kempt is the solid starter. Barring an injury or something else unforeseen, the senior with extra eligibility could be one of the best in the Big 12 Conference.

He led the Cyclones to five of their most recent eight wins. He was at the controls during the Liberty Bowl victory against Memphis. He completed the highest percentage of passes in school history during a season — 161 of 243 for 66.3 percent. He passed for 15 touchdowns, fifth-best in a season at Iowa State, against just three picks. He won at Oklahoma.

Kempt is the unquestioned starter.

We need to know ...

Notice I pluralized this section. Zeb Noland is Kempt’s immediate No. 2, but what happens after that?

Tempo-changer Re-al Mitchell has been in school since January, so he’s the obvious early No. 3. After that, it’s probably Brock Purdy, a summer freshman and big-time recruit out of Arizona.

Fall ball is a lot different that spring ball, so as interesting of an option that we heard Mitchell was back in April, he’s got to prove it during this much more important period.

IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Kyle Kempt #17 of the Iowa State Cyclones drops back to throw during the second half under pressure from linebacker Jack Hockaday #48 of the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 8, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) Matthew Holst, Getty Images

Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt, right, runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 13-3. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Sept. 1, 2018, file photo, Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt runs out on the field before an NCAA college football game against South Dakota State, in Ames, Iowa. Kempt got a sixth college season after taking over as Iowa State’s starting quarterback the middle of last season. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney, File) The Associated Press

Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt (17) comes onto the field with his teammates Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, during their game against South Dakota State at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Michael Zamora/The Register

FILE - In this Aug. 7, 2018, file photo, Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt (17) and running back David Montgomery (32) laugh with teammates during Iowa State's annual NCAA college football media day, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State is coming off its best season since 2000, an 8-5 record with wins over Oklahoma and TCU, the teams that played in the Big 12 championship game. The five losses were by a combined 25 points. Among nine returning offensive starters are 1,000-yard rusher David Montgomery and sixth-year quarterback Kyle Kempt, whose first career start was the stunning road win over the Sooners. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, FIle) The Associated Press

Kyle Kempt, a senior on the Iowa State football team, talks to the media after finding out the team will play in the Liberty Bowl on Sunday, Dec 3, 2017 , in the Jacobson Building on the Iowa State campus. The Liberty Bowl will be played on Dec. 30 at 11:30AM in Memphis. Kelsey Kremer/The Register

Kyle Kempt, a senior on the Iowa State football team, talks to the media after finding out the team will play in the Liberty Bowl on Sunday, Dec 3, 2017 , in the Jacobson Building on the Iowa State campus. The Liberty Bowl will be played on Dec. 30 at 11:30AM in Memphis. Kelsey Kremer/The Register

Iowa State senior quarterback Kyle Kempt, left, celebrates with his offense after running a ball into the end zone on Saturday, April 8, 2017, during the Iowa State Cyclone football spring game at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa State sophomore defensive end JaQuan Bailey, left, reaches out for senior quarterback Kyle Kempt for a sack on Saturday, April 8, 2017, during the Iowa State Cyclone football spring game at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa State freshman defensive end Logan Wolf gets to senior quarterback Kyle Kempt for a sack on Saturday, April 8, 2017, during the Iowa State Cyclone football spring game at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Kyle Kempt (17) passes the ball during the first half of their football game against Oklahoma State at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Ames. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Kyle Kempt (17) runs out of bounds during the first half of their football game against Oklahoma State at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Ames. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Kyle Kempt (17) looks to the sidelines for a play in the game with the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium. Michael C. Johnson, Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa State's Kyle Kempt (17) runs to the goalline against Texas Tech, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Officials ruled that Kempt stepped out of bounds on the play, but replays appeared to show him in bounds en route to the end zone. Brad Tollefson/AP

Iowa State's Kyle Kempt (17) passes the ball against Texas Tech during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Brad Tollefson/AP

Redshirt senior quarterback Kyle Kempt (17) hands off to sophmore running back David Montgomery (32) during their football game against Kansas at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in Ames.
Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt thanks fans as he leaves the field after his team defeated Memphis in the Liberty Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) The Associated Press

Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Jarrell Owens (93) sacks Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Kyle Kempt (17) during the first half of their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Ames. Brian Powers/The Register

True freshmen

We know ...

Campbell isn’t keen on burning freshman redshirts — he’s done it just six times in two seasons: Montgomery, Kene Nwangwu, Deshaunte Jones, Jamahl Johnson and Steven Wirtel in 2016; and Keontae Jones last season.

All freshmen now have a practice purpose. They know they’re more than scout-team fodder, now that the almighty NCAA says true freshmen can play up to four games and still keep four full seasons of eligibility.

“It puts a lot more onus on us in terms of development — to keep developing those guys through the fall,” Campbell said. “Even if you say you’re planning to redshirt a guy, what’s that really mean until end of the season?”

We're still learning ...

When will Iowa State start taking advantage of this game-changing new rule? Maybe not too quickly.

The early-season schedule is a monster, with games at Iowa, at home against Oklahoma and at TCU among the first five. The Cyclones travel to Oklahoma State for Game No. 6, and South Dakota State isn’t exactly a cream-puff opener at Jack Trice.

Do you really want a true freshman not named Brayden Narveson (the place-kicker) playing against early-season competition like that?

At some point, however, look for these rookies to play — assuming they earn that privilege by practicing well in the fall:

The next middle linebacker

We know ...

He’s gone, Iowa State’s most versatile player ever. Joel Lanning is in the Dallas Cowboys' camp. The Cyclones need a middle linebacker.

Who'll win the job?

Sounds like it’s redshirt freshman O’Rien Vance’s role to lose, unless something goes haywire in the fall. Winning the job in spring is one thing; keeping it is something else.

“His end potential is maybe as good as anyone’s in our program,” Campbell said of the 6-foot-1, 235-pounder from Cedar Rapids Washington. “He has some really unique traits at that linebacker position.”

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Iowa State Cyclones linebacker Marcel Spears Jr. (42) celebrates after an interception to give ISU the ball for good in the final seconds against TCU at Jack Trice Stadium Saturday, Oct. 26, 2017, in Ames, Iowa. ISU defeated TCU 14-7.(Photo: Rodney White/The Register)

It helps that he’s got veterans on both sides in Marcel Spears and Willie Harvey.

“They keep me going,” Vance said in the spring. “I’m learning from them.”

He had college linebacker size upon entering school. Next up? A consistent fall.

“He’s hard to miss, because he’s a big, physical kid,” Campbell said. “He’s a redshirt freshman ... those guys have to be able to string good days together.”

What to do with Nwangwu

We know ...

Even after undergoing surgery to repair a torn Achilles, Kene Nwangwu is still the fastest player on the team. Even after missing last season, he’s still the team’s best threat to return kickoffs a long ways.

Now what?

Campbell eased him back during the spring. The goal was preparing him for Sept. 1, not for anything in April.

“He can help our football team be successful in a number of ways,” Campbell said.

Nwangwu was a first-team freshman All-American in 2016. He was one of the top kickoff returners in the country, with his 26.4-yard average ranking 15th nationally. Five of his returns were 40-plus yards. He averaged about five yards a carry as a tailback.

But kick returner, where Iowa State didn’t fare as well in 2017 as it did with Nwangwu in 2016?

“I want to be out there and doing that again,” he said. “I’m definitely going to be back there, and not just back there to catch kicks.”

Fair catches on kickoffs inside the 25-yard line result in possession at the 25, according to a new NCAA rule. Will he fair catch?

Stay tuned to that — and also to how much he plays as a backup tailback and a slot receiver.

Targeting the receivers

We know ...

Pro Football Focus determined Iowa State quarterbacks threw 51.6 percent of their passes last season toward seniors, including 126 Allen Lazard’s way.

“It’s going to be a new look from what you saw a year ago, with some familiar faces sprinkled in there as well,” receivers coach Bryan Gasser said.

Hakeem Butler leads an array of veterans that include Deshaunte Jones, Carson Epps, and Matthew Eaton.

“It was such a deep position group a year ago — there was so much competition, that there were a lot of good players that didn’t get a ton of snaps,” Gasser said. “We’re giving the guys a chance to show what they can do well."

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Iowa State tight end Chase Allen (11) congratulates wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) on his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) The Associated Press

Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) gets away from Kansas cornerback Hasan Defense (13) while scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Orlin Wagner/AP

Iowa State tight end Chase Allen (11) congratulates wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) on his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Orlin Wagner/AP

Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) celebrates with teammate Deshaunte Jones (9) after catching a 24-yard touchdown pass in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Akron, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Ames, Iowa. Charlie Neibergall/AP

Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) dives over Akron defensive back Jordan George (7) during a 24-yard touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Ames, Iowa. Charlie Neibergall/AP

Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) walks off the field with teammates after an NCAA college football game against Akron, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 26-13. Charlie Neibergall/AP

Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler, right, fends off Oklahoma safety Kahlil Haughton, left, to run for a first down during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo, Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma, in Ames, Iowa. Butler had a breakout performance in last weekend's loss to Oklahoma, catching two long TDs from Zeb Noland. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney, File) The Associated Press

Iowa State's Hakeem Butler (18) breaks a tackle after catching a pass and runs it in for a touchdown during their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma would go on to win 37-27. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's Hakeem Butler (18) breaks a tackle after catching a pass and runs it in for a touchdown during their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma would go on to win 37-27. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's Hakeem Butler (18) breaks a tackle after catching a pass and runs it in for a touchdown during their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma would go on to win 37-27. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's Hakeem Butler (18) breaks a tackle after catching a pass and runs it in for a touchdown during their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma would go on to win 37-27. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's Hakeem Butler (18) breaks a tackle after catching a pass and runs it in for a touchdown during their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma would go on to win 37-27. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's Hakeem Butler (18) bobbles a pass during their football game against Oklahoma at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma would go on to win 37-27. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's Hakeem Butler (18) and Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell celebrate his touchdown to start the third quarter of their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma would go on to win 37-27. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's Hakeem Butler (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown to tie the game at 10 during their football game against Oklahoma at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma takes a 24-10 lead into halftime. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's Hakeem Butler (18) breaks a tackle on his way to scoring a touchdown to tie the game at 10 during their football game against Oklahoma at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma takes a 24-10 lead into halftime. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's Hakeem Butler (18) makes runs it in for a touchdown to start the third quarter of their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma would go on to win 37-27. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's Hakeem Butler (18) celebrates with Iowa State's Julian Good-Jones (51) after scoring a touchdown to tie the game at 10 during their football game against Oklahoma at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma takes a 24-10 lead into halftime. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's Hakeem Butler (18) breaks a tackle on his way to scoring a touchdown to tie the game at 10 during their football game against Oklahoma at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma takes a 24-10 lead into halftime. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) and Iowa State defensive end Spencer Benton (58) carry out the flags Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, at the start of their game against South Dakota State at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Michael Zamora/The Register

Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler, left, is wrapped up by South Dakota State safety Joshua Manchigiah during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney) The Associated Press

Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) reaches for the goal line but is knocked out of bounds at the 3-yard line by Memphis defensive back Austin Hall in the second half of the Liberty Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) The Associated Press

Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) can't come up with a pass during the first half of their football game against Oklahoma State at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Ames. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State sophomore wide receiver Hakeem Butler poses for a portrait during the Iowa State football team media day at Bergstrom Indoor Practice Facility on the Iowa State campus in Ames on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

owa State Cyclones wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) steps out of bounds on a catch and run during the second half of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Memphis, Tennessee. ISU defeated Memphis 21-20. Rodney White/The Register

Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) runs away from Memphis defenders Tim Hart (35) and Jonathan Cook (14) as Butler runs for a touchdown on a 52-yard pass play in the first half of the Liberty Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) The Associated Press

Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) talks with Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Kyle Kempt (17) during the first half of their football game against Oklahoma State at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Ames. Brian Powers/The Register

Texas Tech defensive back Vaughnte Dorsey interferes with Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler in the second quarter giving Iowa a first down during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Mark Rogers/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal via AP) The Associated Press

Iowa State redshirt sophomore wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) catches a pass during the first half of their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in Ames. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State sophomore wide receiver Hakeem Butler poses for a portrait during the Iowa State football team media day at Bergstrom Indoor Practice Facility on the Iowa State campus in Ames on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Offensive line battles

We know ...

“This is the most concrete of an offensive line that we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Campbell. “When you look at the overall depth — especially after getting Trevor Downing into spring practice — we actually have a real two-deep for the first time since I’ve been here.

“We have flexibility. There’s good battles to see who the starting five are.”

The depth chart lists a three-way race at left guard among Josh Mueller, Will Windham and Oge Udeogu (he’s coming off an injury). At center, it's between Julian Good-Jones and redshirt freshman (and spring standout) Colin Newell.

If Newell wins the center job, then Good-Jones can shift to left guard. It’s a move that will make Iowa State’s line more solid than it already ought to be.

Iowa State running back David Montgomery, front left, runs the ball as he is tackled by Baylor linebacker Clay Johnston, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Ames. Matthew Putney/AP

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) is tackled by Kansas linebacker Denzel Feaster (18) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Orlin Wagner/AP

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) is tackled by Kansas defensive end Brian Lipscomb, back, during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Orlin Wagner/AP

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) celebrates with fans after an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Charlie Neibergall, AP

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) breaks a tackle by Texas Tech defensive back Damarcus Fields (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) The Associated Press

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) breaks a tackle by Texas Tech defensive back Damarcus Fields (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Charlie Neibergall, AP

FILE - In this Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018 file photo, Iowa State running back David Montgomery runs up field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Akron, in Ames, Iowa. This season, four Big 12 backs are averaging at least 100 yards rushing per game in conference action. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) The Associated Press

Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy (15) looks to pass as he gets a block from teammate David Montgomery (32) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against West Virginia, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) The Associated Press

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) runs from West Virginia cornerback Hakeem Bailey (24) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) The Associated Press

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) looks for some running room in the first half of a NCAA college football game against TCU in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (Bob Booth/Star-Telegram via AP) The Associated Press

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) takes the hand off from quarterback Zeb Noland (4) in the first half of a NCAA college football game in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (Bob Booth/Star-Telegram via AP) The Associated Press

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) breaks up the middle of the TCU defense in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. (Bob Booth/Star-Telegram via AP) The Associated Press

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) runs from Akron cornerback Kyron Brown (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Ames, Iowa. Charlie Neibergall/AP

Iowa State's David Montgomery (32) is pushed out of bounds by Oklahoma's Parnell Motley (11) during their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma takes a 24-10 lead into halftime. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) dives over Akron linebacker Brian Bell (10) for a one-yard touchdown run in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Ames, Iowa. Charlie Neibergall/AP

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) runs from Akron cornerback Kyron Brown (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2018, file photo, Iowa defensive back Amani Hooker, center, tackles Iowa State running back David Montgomery, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game,in Iowa City, Iowa. The 18th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers (2-1) haven’t been the dominant team everyone expected them to be and, following their home loss to BYU, are looking to reset the season in their Big Ten opener against Iowa. Iowa (3-0) has been one of the most dominant defensive teams in the nation. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney, File) The Associated Press

Iowa State's David Montgomery (32) celebrates his touchdown during their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma would go on to win 37-27. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's David Montgomery (32) is pushed out of bounds by Oklahoma's Parnell Motley (11) during their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma takes a 24-10 lead into halftime. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's David Montgomery (32) is tackled by Oklahoma's Parnell Motley (11) during their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma would go on to win 37-27. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's David Montgomery (32) dives into the end zone during their football game against Oklahoma at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma would go on to win 37-27. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State's David Montgomery (32) jumps over the line during their football game against Oklahoma at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Ames. Oklahoma takes a 24-10 lead into halftime. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) gets stopped by Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) runs the ball as Iowa defensive back Michael Ojemudia makes the tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney) The Associated Press

Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) gets taken down by South Dakota State linebacker Dalton Cox (53) Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, during their game at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Michael Zamora/The Register

Iowa State running back David Montgomery, right, is tackled by Iowa linebacker Djimon Colbert during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 13-3. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney) The Associated Press

Iowa State Cyclones running back David Montgomery (32) is face masked by Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback A.J. Green (4) during their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Ames. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State running back David Montgomery leaps into the end zone to give the Cyclones a 24-0 lead at halftime over Kansas at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa State Cyclones running back David Montgomery (32) dives in for a touchdown to put the Cyclones back up 41-34 during the second half of their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Ames. Oklahoma State would go on to win 49-42. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State Cyclones running back David Montgomery (32) is tackled during the first half of their football game against Oklahoma State at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Ames. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State Cyclones running back David Montgomery (32) celebrates his touchdown putting the Cyclones up 13-6 during the first half of their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Ames. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State Cyclones running back David Montgomery (32) runs around Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Jarrell Owens (93) during the first half of their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Ames. Brian Powers/The Register

Redshirt senior quarterback Kyle Kempt (17) hands off to sophmore running back David Montgomery (32) during their football game against Kansas at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in Ames.
Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State sophomore running back David Montgomery (32) is tackled by Iowa senior defensive back Miles Taylor (19) during the first half of their football game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in Ames. Brian Powers/The Register

Iowa State sophomore running back David Montgomery poses for a photo during the Iowa State football team media day at Bergstrom Indoor Practice Facility on the Iowa State campus in Ames on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

FILE - In this Oct. 28, 2017, file photo, Iowa State running back David Montgomery runs from TCU defenders Travin Howard (32), Ty Summers (42) and Chris Bradley (56) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Ames, Iowa. Montgomery leads the Big 12 with eight rushing touchdowns and is the second-leading rusher with 716 yards. Iowa State plays at West Virginia on Saturday, Nov. 4. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2017, file photo, Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) runs from Iowa defensive back Michael Ojemudia, left, during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ames, Iowa. Montgomery is averaging 5.7 yards per carry. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) The Associated Press

In this Oct. 15, 2016, Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, in Austin, Texas. Montgomery averaged 5.2 yards per carry and closed the season with 141 yards against West Virginia. Michael Thomas, AP

And finally . . .

Iowa State columnist Randy Peterson has been with the Register for parts of five decades. Randy writes opinion and analysis of Iowa State football and basketball. You can reach Randy at rpeterson@dmreg.com or on Twitter at @RandyPete.